Answer this question truthfully
### Question: What causes Otalgia?
### Response: The eustachian tube runs from the middle part of each ear to the back of the throat. This tube drains fluid that is normally made in the middle ear. If the eustachian tube becomes blocked, fluid can build up. This may lead to pressure behind the eardrum or an ear infection.
Ear pain in adults is less likely to be from an ear infection. What you think is ear pain may actually be coming from another location, such as your temporomandibular joint, your teeth, throat, or other location. This is called "referred" pain.
Causes of ear pain may include:
Arthritis of the jaw Acute ear infection Chronic ear infection Ear injury from pressure changes (from high altitudes and other causes) Object stuck in the ear or severely impacted ear wax Ruptured or perforated eardrum Sinus infection Sore throat with referred pain to the ears Temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ) Tooth infection
Ear pain in a child or infant may be due to infection, or the following causes:
Ear canal irritation from cotton-tipped swabs Soap or shampoo staying in the ear